So four hours in and I think it's better than the original in pretty much every way.
First of all, this game is the perfect example of why all of the people who claim consoles are "good enough" or that developers gain nothing by pushing technology are absolutely retarded. This game
looks absolutely fucking amazing. Better yet? With everything maxed (ubersampling and bloom turned off) it runs like an utter dream. 40-60fps at all times. It's not just nice to look at, though, it feels magical to walk through this place. To jump down into the sewer and have the water reflect the monsters that are creeping about in the shadows, or to walk around the Flotsam forest and watching the sun shine through the greenery above onto your path just feels more immersive than any other fantasy game I've ever played. Maybe more immersive than any other game I've ever played - it would certainly be close. Yes, it's always nice to improve graphics for something to stare at, but it also has an important impact on the game. Graphics are extremely important for building a world that makes you
feel something and CDP get that.
Secondly, the combat is hugely improved. Is it quite on the same level as Demon's Souls? For me, I say no. The depth and complexity is clearly there, but it just doesn't feel quite as satisfying to me. Compared to the HORRENDOUS combat in the original, though? It's like night and day. I'm so glad they basically took their combat system and completely re-worked it because as much as I love the original game, I'm not sure I could've done 30 more hours of that combat in this one.
The pacing and story seem to be much better presented this time, also. Now that I'm in chapter 1 and doing side quests it's opened up more and the same focus on exploration and investigation that dominated the first game is present once again, but it's framed by wonderful prologue that really pushes you through the action (
) whilst building a strong narrative. It feels like they've got the mixture just right so far.
I'm playing it on easy, so no real trouble yet so far. I imagine it was probably harder pre-patch, but then again it's only going to be so challenging when playing on easy in the first place. I know, I'm a pussy, but I want to soak up the world and story, not re-load quicksaves every five minutes.
My only complaint is the menus are fiddly to navigate, possibly mostly down to the controller. But after four hours that's it - one complaint!
Also, I forgot how much I love Triss. What a great character.
Chinner said:
i agree, but you're going to find a lot of resistance from bf3 fanboys who have been caught up in the marketing campaign. i casually stated that i thought witcher 2 looks better and they all started crying and stuff.
BF3 look better? Haha. It looks damn nice, but it's not even in the same league.
